Mazda South (http://www.mazdastuff.com) is advertising iPod adapters for the Mazda3, but isn't offering many details on the products themselves. There is a phone number for inquiries, but it sounds as though they won't answer any questions until after an order has been placed. The wording is kind of confusing.

Does anyone here happen to have one of these adapters installed in his/her car? And if so, is the adapter one that allows the driver to control the iPod using the factory stereo controls? I'm thinking seriously about buying either one of these adapters or else a Mazda tape deck through which I would play my iPod using a cassette adapter.

Thanks for any advice anyone has to offer.

 

Hmm, that's a pretty crappy way of doing business in my opinion. "Orders are processed first and foremost before any E-mail questions can be responded to. We appreciate your patience and understanding." What the hell kinda sh*t is that?

They're pretty much saying "Give us your money first and we'll answer your products questions second." Then they thank you for willingly raping yourself ... and on top of that they don't even have a picture of the product itself. I wouldn't spend $120.00 on something I can't even see, or get qustions answered about for that matter -- no way.

I've been using a Monster iCarPlay FM Transmitter in my P5 for about a year now and it works FANTASTIC! Top notch sound quality, absolutely no static and doesn't sound any different than a regular radio station or a CD. The only problem is the occassional radio station interference when driving through different cities, but it's a piece of cake to switch frequencies. Besides, it charges the iPod while playing so it never goes dead ..

Here's one at Best Buy
Also, if interested save some $$$ on Amazon ... they have it for half the price plus Free shipping.
Search Google or whatever search engine you prefer for model number "AI IP FM-CH" and see how good of a deal you can find.

Good luck with the purchase. Rock on

 

Thanks for the advice about the iPod adapter and about the Monster FM transmitter. I'll look into what you've suggested.

I've had good dealings with Mazda South in the past (ordered a wing and MP3 player for a 6 I used to own). But what the company has posted to its Web site about ordering (i.e., order first and ask questions later) does seem kind of shady. Weird.

 

I don't know anything about Mazda South (do you mean Mazda Stuff?) specifically, but it sounds like they're talking about Mazda's new iPod adapter. It does work with the steering wheel controls (and stereo), but doesn't display track information on the stereo.

If you're looking for iPod integration I'd highly recommend the Audiolink (just google Mazda Audiolink, it's pretty easy to find). It provides the same level of functionality as the Mazda kit, is significantly cheaper, and has an Aux-In jack in addition to the iPod connector. It doesn't display track information on the stereo either, but that's my only beef with it. Install is pretty simple, and takes about 15 minutes even for the less mechanically inclined. No soldering, it's pretty much plug and play. I went through a couple FM transmitters prior to getting the Audiolink and I'll never go back. Trying to find an available station in DC was an utter pain and I kept having to grab the iPod whenever I wanted to switch tracks.

BTW, I honestly can't say I fault Mazda Stuff for the questions thing. It sounds like they're basically just saying that getting orders out the door is a top priority. That doesn't seem like a bad policy to me. At least they're honest about it.

Andrew Beard

 

That's something else I hadn't considered; I'll look into that sometime in the next few days. Thanks for the suggestion.

As for Mazda South, doesn't Mazda South=Mazda Stuff? If you go to http://www.mazdastuff.com, at the top of the page (next to where it says "MazdaStuff.Com"), there's small text that says "Mazda South" and mentions Austin, Texas. Is Mazda South an Austin Mazda dealer?

Anyway, thanks again for the suggestion. Your response really helps me out a lot.

 

The one on my MS3 is an AUX jack.
Did not come with a cable I am currently using an old one. But I plan on buying a nicer higher quality sounding one :-D

 

The AudioLink sounds awesome if it's able to integrate into your steering wheel controls. With the one I use I have to reach down for my iPod every time I wanna switch songs and I'll admit using the iPod scroll wheel is not very easy while driving.

I guess I misread the disclaimer on MazdaStuff and interpreted it as "We won't answer any questions until you place an order" but now I understand what they mean by it. However it would still be helpful to have an image of the actual product posted on the site ...

 

There isn't too much to show for the Mazda iPod link as the install instructions say to put it all behind the stereo and dash. The only thing the user should be able to see is a cable coming out of their glove compartment. Not too photogenic.

That said, the iPod link is still pretty new. A lot of dealers haven't even seen them yet. They don't even show up yet on Mazda's Accessory web page (the CX-7 is the only '07 listed so far, and the image for the iPod adapter associated with it is missing).

Andrew Beard